Diagnostic Accuracy of Pleural Fluid C Reactive Protein in differentiating Pleural Effusion Type: Lights, Criteria as the Standard
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.2545Keywords:
C Reactive Proteins, Pleural Effusion, Light's Criteria.Abstract
Background: Pleural effusion is a life threating infection of the respiratory tract. Its early diagnosis is crucial to achieve possible management. CRP play very important role in its diagnosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the Diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid C reactive protein in differentiating pleural effusion type by taking lights criteria as standard. Materials and method: The current cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of Pulmonology Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from 15th march 2025 to 20th June 2025 after taking approval from the research team of the institute. A total of 100 individuals of both genders and different age groups (above 18 years) radiologically diagnosed with pleural effusion and underwent diagnostic thoracentesis were included in the study. Using Light's criteria, pleural effusions were categorized as either exudative or transudative. To measure CRP in pleural fluid, the high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric technique was used. The value was given in milligrams per liter. SPSS version 27 was used to do the statistical analysis. Results: In this study of 100 participants, 40 had exudative and 60 had transudative effusions. Males predominated in both groups. The transudative group was older (66.4 vs. 61.3 years, p=0.049). Congestive heart failure was common in transudative cases, while tuberculosis and pneumonia were prevalent in exudative cases (p<0.001). Mean CRP was higher in exudative effusions (11.6 vs. 2.9 mg/dL, p<0.001), indicating its diagnostic value in differentiating effusion types. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Pleural fluid CRP is a sensitive and easily accessible marker that may be used to distinguish between transudative and exudative effusions. When combined with Light's criteria and clinical expertise, it enhances diagnostic precision and permits prompt and appropriate treatment
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